Grove House criminal abuse is a shocking but familiar story say human rights lawyers

The abuse team at law firm Leigh Day say the ill treatment described to Croydon Crown Court which led to the conviction and sentencing of three carers at Grove House in Sutton is typical of the claims they encounter in their work.

Georgios Skordoulis, 28, and Ahmed Hassanen, 54, were jailed for two years and Alex Nazareth, 30, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, reports the BBC.

Their abuse was inflicted on vulnerable residents with learning disabilities. It included violence and humiliation and also left the victims’ family members feeling tormented and anxious.

The judge described their actions as “a cruel breach of trust”. Leigh Day abuse team is experienced at dealing with civil claims relating to the kind of treatment that was described to the court.

The team recently settled a landmark claim on behalf of a mother and her son who suffered a regime of abuse at Veilstone House in Devon.

Head of Leigh Day abuse team, Alison Millar said:

“This is a dreadful case of appalling mistreatment of vulnerable residents who were unable to defend themselves from assaults and other cruelty perpetrated by those who were trusted with their care.

“We note that this case took a long time to come to Court (the assaults appear to have occurred in or around 2019-2020) and commend the bravery of the families and others who gave evidence to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We believe that there should be regulation of staff working in care homes with an independent body responsible for setting and maintaining standards of training and ensuring those in the care workforce are fit to do so. This cannot be left to providers who, as it appears may have happened in this case, may be tempted to cut corners in recruitment and training.”

Anyone who would value speaking to a human rights lawyer about abuse they or a loved one has experienced can contact the Leigh Day abuse team.